Ramona & Her Grand Piano

AllMusic Review
by Scott Yanow

Ramona Davies (who went simply by the stage name of Ramona) was for a time an attraction with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, as well as a solo act sponsored by Whiteman. A decent society-style pianist who sang with a deep voice, Ramona's most significant recordings were ones that featured some notable sidemen. This 24-cut CD from 1998 gives listeners the majority of her most interesting recordings, with brief contributions from such players as trombonist Jack Teagarden, trumpeters Charlie Teagarden and Bunny Berigan, and C-melody saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer. Among the better selections are Ramona's versions of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby," "You Excite Me," "Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Are You Makin' Any Money," "Barrel-House Music," "We're Out of the Red" and "Raisin' the Rent." Enjoyable, if not particularly essential music.